takes the edge off
Eases the sting
Takes the edge off means to reduce the intensity or sharpness of something unpleasant—pain, anxiety, hunger, or discomfort.
A drink takes the edge off after a stressful day.
Aspirin takes the edge off a headache without eliminating it entirely.
The phrase suggests partial relief rather than complete removal: The snack took the edge off my hunger until dinner.
- alleviateLessen pain or trouble
- sootheGently ease discomfort
- defuseRender harmless
- smooth overMinimize or conceal difficulties
- comfortEase or soothing relief
comfort food · moderate · relax · wind down · numb · calm · calm down · temper · buffer · mitigate · stress relief · dull · ease · soften · mellow out · neutralize · relieve · reassure
takes the edge offintensifies
Increases in strength
aggravates · sharpens · amplifies · heightens · exacerbates
takes the edge offcures
Remedies that heal
eliminates · eradicates · fixes · resolves · makes no difference
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, edge, edges, edged